Longweiguan Ruins Feel More Like an Ancient City Than Dali Old Town

🔧📸 Images tweaked with Magic Image — resize, watermark, blur, convert. Nothing fancy, but it works.

Woke up to find it was still raining in Dali. Wondering where to go, I checked nearby and found a place called Longweiguan Ruins(Dali City, Yunnan Province, China) — looks like a good spot!

First, I took a taxi to the Dali City Public Security Bureau (Patrol Special Police Brigade), getting off at the intersection of Jiashibo Avenue and Zhongcheng Street.

If you’re coming here to visit, I recommend getting off at this location, because the slope is really, really long!

Walking up this slope, I honestly couldn’t tell if this was urban or rural Dali. Either way, there were blue-brick houses, mud-brick houses, and old traditional eaves everywhere! Exactly what I love to see — came to the right place ✌

This is a residential area, mostly locals living in their own old houses. This place feels more like an ancient city than Dali Old Town itself.

There were even these two-story wooden houses — what a pleasant surprise! It was drizzling lightly at the time, and the scene was much more beautiful in person than in photos.

This little alley on the right side also looked very old — a feeling I hadn’t experienced in a while. If the weather had been nice, I would definitely have gone in for a walk.

I saw a delivery guy riding an electric scooter through the stone-paved road — felt like a time travel moment, haha

Suddenly noticed a unique rockery, water pool, and a wall behind it. Looking closely, it read “Longquan Alley” (Dragon Spring Alley).

Normally, we’d definitely turn into a small alley like that to explore, but since it was raining, we skipped it. Next time.

As we walked, I noticed a public restroom by the road — nice! Across from it seemed to be a school.

Seeing a big umbrella in the alley to the right, I walked over to take shelter from the rain while putting the waterproof cover on my backpack.

Just then, a breakfast stall owner nearby brought out two stools for us to sit on. We said we’d leave soon, but she still insisted on giving us two blue plastic stools. What a kind shopkeeper!

As I stepped out, I noticed how clear the drainage ditch by the road was!

There was even a “For Rent” sign ahead — hadn’t seen paper rental ads posted by the roadside in ages.

There were so many old houses along the road, some even in dangerous condition, with grass growing on the roofs.

The rain was getting heavier. Suddenly, two waitresses on either side were trying to get us to come in and drink tang shui, but I wanted to reach the bottom of the slope first.

Looking into the distance, I could see modern high-rises ahead, but standing on stone bricks with old houses on both sides — it felt magical.

Finally arrived at the Longweiguan Ruins.

Turns out it’s the ruins of an ancient Nanzhao city.

Alright, time to head back and try that tang shui.

On the way, I saw so many beautiful flowers. Is everyone in Dali a gardening expert or something? Haha

Heading uphill, I went into the shop on the left because it looked bigger. After going up, I realized I made the right choice!

The window sill here was much larger and protruded outward, so the view wasn’t blocked.

The second floor had a spacious indoor area. Visiting during the off-season was great — few guests, nice and quiet.

I ordered a set meal recommended by the staff. While waiting, I explored the second floor and found books to read.

Turning my head, I noticed there was actually such a long window at the back.

Walking to another window at the back and looking out, I found this hilarious couplet — haha!

Finally, the food arrived. First was the rose ru shan jiu niang.

Then came pao lu da, with flower petals, tapioca balls, and ru shan inside. Delicious!

Next was Shiping bao jiang dou fu.

The texture was unique — delicious either way.

It was still raining, and everything outside was wet.

Looks like it’ll rain all day today. Sitting here was comfortable, but I still wanted to explore the surroundings.

Just as I went downstairs, I noticed a table in the corner of the first floor that I hadn’t seen when going up. Two girls were politely chatting and exchanging gifts nearby — seemed like an online friends meeting up.

One side of the first floor was the kitchen, the other a creative shop. I browsed around the creative shop but nothing particularly caught my eye — pretty average. There were glazed roof cats (decorative tiles), but I prefer ceramic ones, so I didn’t buy any.

Walked uphill again.

Then came back down to the entrance of Longweiguan Ruins.

When I arrived, I noticed people taking wedding photos. The bride was so beautiful and tall. Although she was chubby, her face was still very delicate — somewhat like Yang Chaoyue’s type of features, but slightly more soft and gentle.

There were beautiful flowers here too.

I saw a barbecue shop selling xian hua bing, in three different colors. Bought a few to try — only 10 yuan for 6! Looks like it’s the price for locals!

After a few bites — this is way too delicious! You really need to shop and eat in areas where locals live! Haha

There was a Dali Bai Ethnic Museum nearby, so I took a taxi over.

I wasn’t careful enough this time — didn’t notice the map app already showed it was closed, haha. The exterior already had ethnic minority characteristics, so the interior must be even more impressive. Next time!

There was also an Erhai Hotel nearby that looked quite grand, so I went in to check it out. It felt like a private garden of a wealthy family. Here’s a small corner:

After looking around, I took a taxi back~

I enjoy slow-paced travel and never do rushed, check-the-box sightseeing. If you also like this style of traveling, feel free to follow, like, save, comment, and share. Thank you for reading this far~